Breast Cancer: Statistics, Symptoms, And Ways That May Help Reduce The Risk

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How common is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women after skin cancer. According to the official statistics, 1 in 8 women in the United States develops breast cancer at some point in her life. About 246,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. This type of cancer can also affect men, but they are 100 times less likely to have it than women.

Breast cancer mortality rates have declined over the past decades due to more advanced diagnosis and treatment methods. Breast exam is a part of routine annual check-ups, but women who are at a higher risk of breast cancer (such as those with a personal or family history) may need to have screening tests more often than once per year.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

- a lump (or lumps) in the breast or armpit, which may or may not be painful;

- changes in breast size and shape;

- all or part of a breast is swollen;

- changes of the nipple or breast skin, such as redness, scaliness, dimpling, or thickening;

-  nipple discharge that may be clear or bloody;

- swollen lymph nodes in armpits and/or around the collarbone, it means cancer has spread.

Some of these symptoms may be a sign of a different problem, but they require a professional check.

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

A doctor performs a visual check and physical exam first. If he or she finds anything suspicious, you’ll need further tests, which may include mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, and biopsy.

How can I reduce the risk of breast cancer?

There are ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer or detect it in its early stage:

- don’t skip medical check-ups, part of which is a breast exam;

- ask your doctor how often you need to have screening tests;

- check your breasts for any unusual lumps monthly or even more often, and go to your doctor if you find anything suspicious;

- stop smoking and limit your consumption of alcohol;

- if you’re undergoing a hormone therapy, discuss its potential risks with your doctor;

- being overweight or obese can increase your risk of breast cancer, so it’s better to try to lose some extra weight;

- according to research, being more physically active can decrease your risk of the disease.